Russian and Ukrainian officials today expressed their most optimistic assessments to date of the progress made in the talks on the war in Ukraine, suggesting that there could be positive results within days.
At the same time, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said Russia is showing signs of willingness to commit to meaningful negotiations on ending the war, where thousands of people have lost their lives. More than 2.5 million people have fled their homes to escape the fighting.
Ukraine says it is willing to negotiate, but not to surrender or accept any ultimatum.
"We will not give in principle to any position. Russia understands this now. Russia has already started talking constructively," Ukrainian negotiator and adviser to Ukrainian President Mikhailo Podolyak said in a video posted online.
"I believe we will achieve some results, literally, it is a matter of days," he noted."
For his part, Russia's RIA news agency reported that Leonid Slutsky, a Russian representative, said the talks had recorded substantial progress.
"Based on my personal expectations, this progress may be developed in the coming days into a joint position of both delegations, into documents to be signed," Slutsky said."
Neither side mentioned the type of agreement that could be reached.
Their public statements were released almost simultaneously. They were formulated on the 18th day of the war that began when Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24.
In a tweet, Podolyak wrote that Russia was listening carefully to Ukraine's proposals. "Our demands are an end to the war and the withdrawal of (Russian) troops. I see the understanding and there is dialogue."
Source: APM
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